Collaborative Research Awards

The purpose of the AUCD-NCBDDD Collaborative Researcher Awards (CRA) is to assist faculty, staff, and advanced students at AUCD member programs in conducting public health and disability research and to help NCBDDD accomplish the research objectives they identify for their different programs. Ultimately, this proposed effort will help to build the capacity of AUCD member programs to conduct public health and disability research.

NCBDDD scientists or AUCD researchers will identify potential research projects that are pertinent to both of their research agendas. These research projects will be announced to the AUCD Network and AUCD faculty, staff, and advanced students will apply to work closely with CDC scientists in order to refine the project and conduct the study.

A mentor will be designated by NCBDDD for each AUCD researchers selected to participate. The NCBDDD mentor will work with the AUCD researcher on a weekly basis and provide mentoring, guidance and direction. Research projects will be developed in which the expected outcome is a manuscript and/or conference presentation. Topic areas and research projects will be chosen or developed so that the design, data collection, and data analysis can occur within a relatively short period of time (e.g., 6-12 months).

It is expected that the AUCD researcher will spend a period of time (e.g., 1-2 weeks) at the CDC to initially discuss and design the research project with the NCBDDD scientist. The AUCD researcher will then return to their program and work collaboratively via teleconference/e-mail/videoconference with the NCBDDD mentor scientist during data collection and analysis and during the writing of the report. The AUCD researcher and NCBDDD will negotiate the period of assignment and on-site requirements for the training experience but projects are expected to be completed in one year.

EligibilityCRA applicants will be faculty, staff or advanced students in good standing at any of the AUCD member programs. Applicants will not be allowed to apply if they are currently receiving research funds from the CDC. In general, applications will not be accepted if a conflict of interest exists between the applicant and the CDC. Definitions and decisions regarding conflicts of interest are developed and resolved by AUCD and NCBDDD.

Application ProcessAll application materials are available on the AUCD fellowship and CRA online application system. We offer this web-based application with the hope that it will make the application process as easy and convenient as possible. If you encounter any problems accessing the online application, please contact Adriane Griffen.

When you go to the application site you will need to register so that you receive a unique username and password. This will allow you to return to work on your application over several sessions. Your information is transmitted through a secured server and is kept confidential until you submit your application. Only after you submit your application will it be available for review by AUCD.

Each application will require the following:

Applicant information (name, address, etc.)

A resume or Curriculum Vitae that should include academic history, employment history, and relevant experiences including scientific presentations and publications.

A 3-page maximum typed cover letter describing the applicant's research interests and experiences, as well as their interests and future plans for conducting research addressing the CDC's proposed research topic or question.

Investigator-Initiated Collaborative Researcher AwardsInvestigator-Initiated Collaborative Researcher Awards are encouraged. If you have an idea for a CRA project, follow the same steps to apply for a CDC-proposed CRA. You will develop a 3-page cover letter proposing your project. If you have questions about the Investigator-Initiated CRA process please contact Tory Christensen.

Review ProcessUpon receipt of applications, AUCD will conduct a preliminary review to ensure applicant eligibility and that each application contains all components required for further review. Complete applications will be forwarded to NCBDDD for review. The NCBDDD may conduct telephone and in-person interviews to determine the best applicant match for the research topic. NCBDDD will consider each application in relation to how well the application and interview addresses the proposed research topic, the applicant's level of experience, and the extent to which the applicant will be able to complete the project in the described timeframe.

Once an application has been accepted by NCBDDD, the applicant will be required to develop a budget. AUCD will work with the applicant to complete this requirement. Please note: Total CRA project funds include 16% indirect cost allowable for member programs and a 4% administrative cost to AUCD for administering and monitoring the sub-award.

Stipend amounts will be determined by NCBDDD in consultation with AUCD. The stipends will typically range from $15,000 - $30,000 per research project depending on the complexity of the project and the training needs of selected applicant. AUCD and NCBDDD will not assume responsibility for state, local, or federal income taxes, therefore, the Fellow will be responsible for all tax liability.